Game #66: Ducks vs. Predators Gameday Preview

Jan 25, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (1) deflects a shot on goal in the third period against the Nashville Predators at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Ducks are looking to get back on the right track against the Nashville Predators. The Ducks have dropped their last two results and are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games.

Anaheim is coming off two back-to-back losses against the Washington Capitals and Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Predators have won four consecutive games and are coming in well-rested after their 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Mar. 11.

The previous matchup between the Ducks and Predators on Jan. 25 went to the Ducks, who won 5-2. Mason McTavish had two goals in that game, one of them being a power play tally.

Detailed notes on Saturday's game between the Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators

thehockeynews.comTakeaways from the Ducks' 5-2 Victory over the PredatorsDetailed notes on Saturday's game between the Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators

“It was a good game for us,” McTavish said. “I think we capitalized on our chances.  I think we'd like to tighten it up a little bit, it was a little bit open for both teams. They’ve got a lot of guys that can score, so we’re gonna have to be on our A-game.”

“It was a wide open game,” Ducks head coach Greg Cronin said. “It was kind of back and forth, (the Predators) play that way. They’re going to get the D up into the play and I think they’re a good team offensively, the metrics are really good. They’ve got a lot of offensive weapons, so we better be prepared to defend.”

Sam Colangelo and Ross Johnston will not dress tonight after the Ducks announced that both are day-to-day with upper-body injuries. Forward Nikita Nesterenko was recalled in a corresponding move and will likely play on a line with McTavish and Cutter Gauthier. Nesterenko has appeared in seven games this season for the Ducks, putting up two points (one goal, one assist).

Ducks Projected Lines

Frank Vatrano - Ryan Strome - Troy Terry
Trevor Zegras - Leo Carlsson - Alex Killorn
Cutter Gauthier - Mason McTavish - Nikita Nesterenko
Jansen Harkins - Isac Lundeström - Brett Leason

Jackson LaCombe - Radko Gudas
Olen Zellweger - Jacob Trouba
Pavel Mintyukov - Drew Helleson

Lukáš Dostál (projected)

Predators Projected Lines

Steven Stamkos - Ryan O'Reilly - Luke Evangelista
Filip Forsberg - Colton Sissons - Jonathan Marchessault
Michael Bunting - Fedor Svechkov - Jakob Vrana
Kieffer Bellows - Michael McCarron - Cole Smith

Brady Skjei - Nick Blankenburg
Marc Del Gaizo - Spencer Stastney
Andreas Englund - Justin Barron

Justus Annunen (projected)